The Code of the West

by Bennett Owen

This is a code you don’t need a Rosetta stone to crack. It’s as plain and simple as the 10 Commandments, never codified, always unspoken and yet chiseled into the granite character of all those who dared venture into the untamed west:

... Ride for the brand

... Talk less, say more

... Always finish what you start

... Live each day with courage

... Remember that some things aren’t for sale

And five others that, taken together, form a foundation for a well-lived life.  Last year, Wyoming made the Code of the West part of its official state ethos.  Now, Montana’s legislature is following suit.  See a written report and video, courtesy of KTVQ in Billings here.

The move is not without controversy though. Read the Chicago Tribune article here: 

Fox News has picked up on the story as well:

The Code of the West movement was sparked by former Wall Street maven James P. Owen (no relation…at least not that we know of…). For the past six years he’s been touting it as a way to imbue ethics into troubled high school students.  And his volunteer work appears to be bearing fruit.  Check out his website: Cowboyethics.org.

Of course the Code of the West is not to be confused with Cowboy Wit and Wisdom, such as:

• There are two ways of arguing with a woman. Neither one works.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.
• Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Which is what we will do now.